England will bat first against Australia in the opening Ashes Test. Australia has decided to omit Mitchell Starc, leaving Pat Cummins to confirm that Scott Boland and Josh Hazlewood would both play. Ben Stokes, England’s captain, won the toss and decided to bat first, marking the first time he has done so in a home test. This decision was made due to a seemingly flat Edgbaston wicket and clear skies overhead in Birmingham. Boland has been outstanding after taking 33 wickets at an average of 14.57. Hazlewood has not played much, but he offers good control in England. The three quicks are expected to be rotated through the English summer, with fellow paceman Cummins keen to play all five tests as captain. England had already confirmed their side earlier in the week, with veterans Stuart Broad and James Anderson in the attack and their fastest quick, Mark Wood, overlooked. Stokes was excited about the start of the highly anticipated series.
England wins toss and chooses to bat in opening Ashes match, Australia leaves out Starc.
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